Jeep Spy Shots Cars

Well, it’s finally happened – the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has been spotted without camouflage. The next-generation Jeep was reportedly spotted inside Jeep’s Toledo assembly plant and sent to our friends at JLWranglerForums. The grainy photo was undoubtedly not supposed to be taken, as evidenced by the limited view it affords of the new Wrangler Unlimited. Still, there are plenty of details to pour over.

First, it’s clear this is a four-door Wrangler Unlimited, otherwise known as the JLU. It’s lack of badging, knobby tires, and rock rails suggests this is a Sport model, though its hood features vents – a previous sign of an upper-class model or special edition. The windshield bump-stops on the hood have been redesigned, too. Also visible is the side vent integrated just behind the front fender. It’s smaller than anticipated, but thankfully doesn’t distract from the Wrangler’s classic lines. And speaking of lines, the cowling panel and doors have strong creases, helping break up the flat, vertical sides seen on the previous Wrangler JK. New side mirrors are present, too, with integrated turn signals. Gone are the push-button door handles, replaced with pull-style handles in black. The front fenders carry a new shape and appear molded from richer, higher-quality plastic. This particular Jeep has the soft top option, which we’re glad still exists. Unfortunately, the photos don’t show much of the interior, beyond the black seats covered in protective plastic. Of course, at this rate, we’ll have a full view of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL long before its official debut at the 2017 LA Auto Show in November.

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The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is the successor to the wildly successful Wrangler JK – a vehicle that lasted from 2007 until the early parts of 2018. The new Wrangler JL picks up where the JK left off by offering an open-air driving experience on both paved roads and where no roads exist. The Wrangler continues to stay true to the Jeep legacy of all-terrain travel while offering more creature comforts and the least-compromised on-road driving experience of any vehicle in the lineage of the Willy MB from 1941.

For 2018, the Wrangler’s appearance is an evolved take on the previous JK, adding in better aerodynamics, more roof options, and improved safety, especially in the rollover department. New details bring the JL into modern times. Things like LED headlights, fender-mounted daytime running lights, and an interior that doesn’t look made by Little Tikes. New powertrain options bring more power and added fuel efficiency, while a manual transmission and manually operated transfer case keep ties to the Jeep heritage alive.

Update 11/01/2017: Jeep has released photos of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL amid the SEMA Show and ahead of the Wrangler’s full debut at the L.A. Auto Show on November 29.

Just leaked on WranglerForums.com is what’s believed to be the next-generation Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Codenamed the JL, this four-door wrangler will replace the current Jeep Wrangler JL for the 2018 model year. Until now, details have been rather spread out, with hardly any information on the Wrangler’s overall appearance and functionality. But thanks to two grainy images, we’re getting a first look.

Much to the angst of Jeep fans, the 2018 Wrangler will indeed come with hard top that’s completely removable. The doors are also completely removable, just like the past Wranglers. The overall design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, sharing much of the overall appearance with the current Wrangler JK.

Of course, the devil is in the details. The grille has a rearward bend, just as we’ve seen in spy shots and other leaked images. The front quarter panels feature some sort of heat extractor or vent just behind the fender. The hood also features vents, much like the optional Heat Extraction hood offered on some Wrangler models. The greenhouse seems taller, with more height to the glass. The doors have a strong character line just under the window, possibly carving out where the half-metal doors will end.

And even more interesting, the windshield seems to have two hinges. Perhaps Jeep won’t kill the folding windshield design after all! As for the roll cage, it shares a similar layout to the current Wrangler JK, but it looks to be better integrated for stronger roll-over protection.

Around back the tailgate is now hinged on the driver side, making curb-side loading much easier. The spare tire is missing, but we do expect the production model will feature it in this traditional location. The bumpers have a familiar style, shaped like those found on special edition Wranglers like the 75th Anniversary, Rubicon Hard Rock, and Rubicon Recon.

All told, this is a huge relief for Jeep enthusiast worried about a watered-down, mall-rated Wrangler JL. Those fears can be set aside knowing Jeep has kept all the lovable aspects of the Wrangler in place. Let’s just hope this isn’t some fake news rendering crap designed to scam us all…

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After years – no, decades – of waiting, it seems Jeep is finally going to build a pickup version of the Wrangler. Rumors have held true and speculation regarding Jeep CEO Mike Manley’s many hints are seemingly coming to fruition. It’s been 30 years since Jeep last made a pickup version of its Wrangler, then called the CJ, but it seems the wait is coming to an end.

These detailed spy shots show a four-door Wrangler with a pickup bed. The camouflage is extremely thick, but the squared-off doors, flat windshield, seven-slot grille, and removable hard top are all clearly discernable. It seems this test mule is borrowing a Ram 1500 cargo bed, but expect a more unique, Jeep-only bed for production.

It’s clear this test mule is in the early stages of development. Inside the bed appear to be weights, tied down with ratchet straps. This indicates engineers are testing chassis, suspension, and powertrain tuning. Prevalent rumors suggest the Wrangler will have three choices in engines: a turbocharged four-cylinder making roughly 300 horsepower, a revised version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. The ZF eight-speed automatic will be optional each of the engines, with unknown manual transmission likely coming as standard.

The Wrangler pickup will be based on the conventional Wrangler, codenamed the JL. Expect the pickup version to come with an extended frame and wheelbase. We’d bet the Wrangler’s multi-link rear suspension with coil springs is present. After all, Ram has done will with a similar suspension setup. More to the fact, no leaf springs can be seen in these spy shots, despite the massive rear fender opening.

The Wrangler pickup will likely debut after the standard two-door and four-door Wrangler SUV. How much later is still unknown. We’d bed the Wrangler SUV will arrive for the 2018 model year, with the pickup following in 2019.

There’s tons more to discern from these spy shots, so keep reading for more information.

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By now you’ve heard Sergio Marchionne’s battle cry against Range Rover, and know FCA has plans to revive the old Grand Wagoneer name for its upcoming ultra plush SUV, intended to compete with Land Rover’s finest. Well here is your first look at what we think FCA might build. Meet the 2017 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

While Marchionne’s intent is well-known, details about styling and engineering are not. That left our artist to guess on many of the design cues, including the all-important seven-slot grille and iconic Grand Wagoneer hood. Behind the A-pillar, the SUV gets Suburban-sized dimensions with three rows of seats. Sadly, FCA isn’t likely to dive so deep in the retro styling that it nails on the woody sides from the original.

Under the skin, the Grand Wagoneer is sure to get big power. Expect FCA to offer its popular EcoDiesel option, along with a Hemi V-8. The usual ZF eight-speed auto will likely make its appearance as well.

In order to compete with Range Rover, Jeep will have to outdo itself with interior quality. Current models like the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have surpassed anything Jeep has ever done in the past in terms of fit and finish, but the Grand Wagoneer will have to push the bar even further. Expect open-pore wood trim, supple leather on nearly ever surface, and plenty of high-end technology, from entertainment to safety systems.

Jeep is expected to have the Grand Wagoneer ready to display by the middle of 2016 and headed to dealerships for the 2017 model year. Pricing is also said to surpass everything Jeep has ever produced, with a starting MSRP somewhere in the $80,000 range.

Update 06/27/2016: Jeep head Mike Manley told Automotive News the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer shouldn’t be though of as separate vehicles, but rather a different trim levels. This suggests the two will share many mechanical and structural components, while unique looks and luxury amenities could distinguish the two apart.

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It appears Jeep is hard at work developing the next generation of C-segment crossover, in line to replace the outdated Patriot and Compass crossovers. These spy shots give us a glimpse of what Fiat Chrysler has planned.

Though details are scarce, the vehicle should be far more advanced than either the Patriot or the Compass, and include a new powertrain, lighter materials, and a much more impressive interior.

There’s also no word on what FCA will call this vehicle. It could inherit either the Patriot or Compass name, or it could get an entirely different nomenclature altogether. We’re hoping for the latter.

This new crossover will help streamline Jeep’s lineup by eliminating redundancy and injecting more life into the brand with a fresh face. Jeep has already scored a major hit with the B-segment Renegade and is without a doubt looking for a similar follow-up.

Speaking of the Renegade, the new C-segment Jeep will likely be riding on a stretched and widened version of the Renegade’s platform, also shared with the Fiat 500X. That means it will employ a transversely mounted engine, while still offering 4WD as an option.

The vehicle is expected to debut in time for the 2017 model year, with its first showing likely scheduled for mid 2016.

Updated 06/16/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Jeep CUV our for a new testing session, and this time they were also able to take some shots of the interior.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Jeep CUV.

The guys over at TFLTruck recently spotted a current-generation Jeep Wrangler fitted with light camouflage, a manufacture license plate, and an odd-looking exhaust tip. What does this cocktail mean? It’s hard to definitively say, but our hunch says this test mule is logging miles with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6.

Rumors have long been spreading that Jeep would incorporate the EcoDiesel into the Wrangler at its next generational change. Well, that time has come and it appears Jeep’s R&D department is well underway with evaluations.

The addition of the V-6 EcoDiesel would give the Wrangler an incredible boost in fuel economy – perhaps by a full 10 mpg on the highway. The current Wrangler is rated at 21 mpg highway with its 3.6-liter gasoline V-6. Conversely, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup, which is slightly heavier than the current Wrangler, can achieve 29 mpg on the highway. If the next-generation Wrangler loses a decent amount of weight, it could potentially achieve 30 mpg highway. That’s a big deal.

Beyond the spy shots, TFLTruck spends time talking about their top 10 topics for the upcoming off-roader. They include all the fiercely debated rumors like roof designs, suspension set-ups, and of course powertrain rumors. I won’t spoil all the fun, so you’ll have to watch the video for the full details.

As always, check back with TopSpeed for the latest in automotive news.

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Only a week or so after Jeep CEO Mike Manley sarcastically confirmed the Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show to a single journalist, a video has surfaced showing the vehicle under development.

The short and somewhat dull video shows the Grand Cherokee performing a quick acceleration run on the empty track. Supercharger whine is clearly present, resonating the distinctive Hellcat noise that’s different from other supercharged V-8s. Also audible is a short burst of tire chirping, but with the amount of throttle heard in the video, any rear-wheel drive, Hellcat-powered machine would smoke the tires, even with traction control on. This leads us to believe Jeep engineers have indeed built an AWD system capable of withstanding 650 pound-feet of torque. Whether it makes production or not is still unknown.

Of course, there’s no official word from Jeep or FCA, but we suspect the Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee will soon be ready for production. Manley’s snarky interview revealed the SUV will be on the market before the end of 2017, likely making it a 2018-model-year vehicle. What’s more, according to FCA’s five-year plan published in 2014, the Grand Cherokee is due for a generational change in 2017. That lines up perfectly, making it seem like Jeep will wait to introduce the 707-horsepower street rod until the next-generation Grand Cherokee makes its debut. Perhaps the Hellcat version will bow at the same time.

Jeep is still quite on what it plans to call the Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee, though all suspension and rumors still point to the TrackHawk name. Either way, these are certainly exciting times in the automotive world.

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The upcoming Baby Jeep was caught testing for the first time back in October 2013, and it looked identical to its Fiat cousin. Since then, the small Jeep has evolved a bit, as the prototype that our spy photographers caught today looks more like a typical Jeep.

Also known as the Jeepster, the future baby Jeep will be built on the same Small Wide platform that will see use under the Fiat 500 L and 500 MPW. Jeep is planning to use this model as a competitor to the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008.

We have no details on the engine lineup just yet, but depending on the market, the next baby Jeep will be offered with gasoline and diesel engines. We expect the new Jeep to come standard with front-wheel drive and have all-wheel drive as an available option.

Expect the new Baby Jeep to be unveiled later this March, most likely at the Geneva Motor Show. The model will be built in Italy along with the Fiat500X.

Click past the jump to see more about the Baby Jeep.

The new-generation Jeep Cherokee was just unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show to rather mixed reviews, thanks to relatively over-the-top styling. Even with its odd styling, it is starting to grow on us a little. An now, rumors of an SRT version have us thinking even more fondly of this new model.

First details from the Jeep experts over at AllPar suggest that this hopped-up Cherokee will come equipped with an all-wheel-drive system in place of the standard front-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission and an engine that oozes power.

Anyone that knows anything about Chrysler’s SRT group knows that the Cherokee SRT will feature an engine with tons more power. However, the origins of the engine and the exact output is still up for speculation. One suggestion is a 3.0-liter V-6 sourced from fellow Fiat subsidiary, Maserati. This may be a little too much for the petit Cherokee, as that would put it over the 400-horsepower mark. There is also the idea of it using a 2.4-liter boosted engine with an output of about 300 horsepower, but that’s likely not enough power to drum up interest in this model.

The most likely of scenarios is to use one of the existing Pentastar V-6 engines — 3.2- or 3.6-liter — which can be tuned to well over 400 horsepower, using a pair of turbochargers. If Chrysler chooses to only use one turbo, it would still put it in the 350- to 375-horsepower range. Either way, the Pentastar would have to undergo some big changes, including strengthening the internals and dropping the compression to around 9-to-1.

No matter what engine the Cherokee SRT uses, we can’t wait to see what it can do.

Click past the jump to read more about the Jeep Cherokee SRT.

The April issue of the JP magazine will have an image with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited SRT-6 that will debut in 2008.
The Unlimited SRT-6 will be powered by a supercharged version of the 4.0L V-6 from the Doge NitroR/T that will make 415HP and 410 lb-ft of torque with 7.5 psi of boost. Will have a front Dana 44 and a hybrid Dana 60 rear (rumored to be a Dynatrac/DC development) and will be lowered to make it more racy for the (...)

Here’s long-wheelbase, four-door Jeep Wrangler. It will maintain the same stripped-out feel as the two-door, but its stretched wheelbase will give substantially more room for rear-seat passengers and much more luggage space. We can’t see its interior from these pictures, but it may well have a third row of seats, or an extra pair of fold-away chairs. The roof design of the Wrangler has had to be adapted to enable it to meet the latest US safety regulations and this five-door looks as if it (...)